Interview: 3-Star 2019 Nevada DB/WR Cervontes White Talks Season and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The football season Liberty High School (7-5) turned in during the 2018 season was seemingly right out of a Hollywood script. The Las Vegas squad started tough beating one of Arizona’s best in Saguaro (22-12) and then went on a four-game losing streak that included two losses by forfeit and then the team rallied for a six-game winning streak. Teams do not turn it around for a run to the state title game without standout players and foundational senior leaders like Cervontes White.

White was a true hustle player turning up anywhere and everywhere in all three phases of the game for the Patriots. If it was his blocking on the outside as a receiver or pulling in seven passes for 103 yards with a score, his play in the secondary manning up against the opposing team’s top receiver, or on special teams as a punt and kick returner. The schedule included Saguaro, IMG Academy (FL), Desert Oasis, Sierra Vista, and Bishop Gorman. The result for the 4.47 speedster off the field has been offers from Utah, Dixie State, and BYU with Mountain West and Pac-12 interest stirring.

In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with the three-star recruit to see how his senior season turned out with an update on his recruiting prospects.

*Click link for June 2018 RNG interview with Cervontes White

Interview

The Patriots had a wild season making the three-game to the Nevada 4A playoffs. What was the playoff run like for you and the Patriots?

“For us, it was about forgetting past games and starting a new season in the playoffs. We all knew that if you lose, you go home. We tuned and focused so we could make a run to play against Bishop Gorman.”

How were you utilized in all three phases of the game this year?

“I played a big part in helping out our punt and kick return. I think I was a bigger factor on punt return getting as many yards as I could for the offense so they could start with good field position. On defense, I played a high rover-safety. I was on their No. 1 receiver. I was locking up a guy to shut down that side of the field. On offense, I was trying to make an impact helping out our new quarterback. I was trying to do what my coaches expected of me in the offense so we could win games.”

At season’s end, what did you feel were the strengths of your game?

“Being coachable – doing exactly what I was told to do to put us in the best situations. I stopped all the other team’s receivers, and there was not a corner stopping me the other way. When things went lopsided, I was there for the younger guys. I kept everyone up motivating them with words and with my body language. I did what I could as a team player to help us win.”

From a technical point on defense, what were some of the big improvements in your game?

“It started for me in the offseason, playing 7v7 helped. My trainers at Phase 1 in Vegas, they helped me improve my game and my footwork. I was a dominating on the right-side as a corner, but on my left side I was not breaking as well. Now I am not wasting a step. The weight room is where I always go hard, I improved my strength a lot which helped on the field.”

What about on offense, how did your game improve on that side of the ball?

“It was more of me knowing situations on the field like third-and-12 and the two-minute drill; knowing what you have to do and when you have to get out of bounds. After track season, that helped my game even more with better speed. The kids that could not catch up to me before really could not this year.”

Throughout the season you guys played some of the toughest teams in the nation. Of all the tough games which was your best?

“I’d say our first game against Saguaro was the best, I did not give up a reception. Against Alta, I was targeted a lot but no passes were caught on me and I had four deflections. The last game against Gorman, I was at safety, I had a big effect in that game.”

You have the three offers, which schools are showing interest?

“Boise State, Washington, and Oregon State are showing interest.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“I am definitely going to Utah, definitely going to Boise State, and would like to go to Washington and BYU. Boise and Utah for sure, they show a lot of love.”

With your offseason workouts, what will you focus on getting ready for the next level?

“My track coach started with me early this year. I am working at in the weight room, working on getting bigger, stronger, and faster.”

Cervontes, great catching up with you today. Good luck with your upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Nevada Preps; No. 6 Cervontes White